CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) – March is National Nutrition Month, highlighting the challenge people around the country face when it comes to accessing nourishing meals.
Seniors in southeast Missouri are among those impacted, with one in eight facing a monthly choice between buying food and medicine, under the pressure of fixed incomes and inflation.
One in four seniors also lives alone.
Those with Aging Matters say there are plenty of resources to help seniors access the food they need to stay healthy and strong, including dozens of nutrition centers.
Chief operating officer Liz Yokley said it’s not always clear when someone is facing hunger.
“When you are visiting or talking to an individual, food insecurity is hidden. You don’t know that there’s no food in that cabinet behind that individual that you’re talking to. So that’s why March is such an important month for us to be able to share this information.”
Yokley said nutrition centers often provide more than just food. They offer fun activities like live music, card playing and even line dancing.
“For those who can’t get to the center, they are providing nutritious meals right to someone’s door. And it’s more than a delivery. They are providing a wellness check. The nutrition center is knocking on that individual’s door, saying, ‘We care. You are not alone and you matter.’”
At Aging Matters in Cape Girardeau, Yokley said a registered dietitian is available to speak with seniors and caregivers about how to get essential nutrition into their diets.
She said a number of activities are planned for the month of March, and will be detailed on the Aging Matters Facebook page.
Additionally, people can visit agingmatters2u.com for a full list of the 31 nutrition centers in southeast Missouri.
The nonprofit is located at 69 Doctors Park in Cape Girardeau.
Copyright 2026 KFVS. All rights reserved.
